Course Format
- 13 instructor-led webinars (4 hours each) held via Zoom
- 2 mock exams with instructor feedback
- Online classroom containing worksheets, vocab lists and other study support resources
- All webinars are recorded and posted in the online classroom on the next business day
- Optional wine kit containing 110 wines (100mL bottles) sent in roughly 6 shipments
- Instructor-led tastings to illustrate wine styles and calibrate your palate for the exam
Course Duration
Students will begin their course of study once they register for the unit and receive their course materials. Students should expect to study for a minimum of 250 hours over a period of about 6 months (about 10 - 11 hours of study per week).
Course Materials
Upon registration students will receive access to the WSET's digital study guide, which will be the main source of study material for this unit. Students will also have access to the WSET’s Online Global Campus and Feedback Testing Classroom where students can access supplemental learning material & mock exams. NVWA also provides supplemental learning materials such as videos, mock questions, and guided reading questions.
Exam Format
- Two-day theory and tasting exam
- Exam Day 1: three-hour and 20-minute written theory exam with multi-part, open-response style questions
- Exam Day 2: blind tasting of 12 wines, broken into two flights
- Tasting notes must describe the structural characteristics of each wine using WSET Diploma SAT method and draw conclusions on the wine’s origin, grape variety, quality level, and/or potential for aging
- Exam must be taken in person in Napa, California, on the date associated with your course
- Results issued via email approximately 3 months after exam (graded at WSET London headquarters)
Course & Exam Dates:
Online Course
Course Dates: October 30, 2023-May 13, 2024
Exam Dates: May 14-15, 2024 (October 23-24, 2024 and May 13-14, 2025 available with prior notice)
Registration Deadline: September 30, 2023
Webinar Time: 9am-1pm PST on Saturdays
Webinar Dates: 11/4/2023, 11/11/23, 11/18/23, 12/2/23, 12/16/23, 1/6/24, 1/20/24, 1/27/24, 2/10/24, 2/24/24, 3/9/24, 3/23/24, 4/6/24
Mock Theory Exam Webinar: 4/20/2024, 9am-3pm PST
Mock Tasting Exam Webinar : 4/27/2024, 9am-3pm PST
Online Course
Course Dates: March 25, 2024-October 22, 2024
Exam Dates: October 23-24, 2024 (May 13-14, 2025 and October 2025 available with prior notice)
Registration Deadline: February 25, 2024
Webinar Time: 9am-1pm PST on Saturdays
Webinar Dates: 3/30/2024, 4/13/24, 4/27/24, 5/11/24, 5/18/24, 6/1/24, 6/15/24, 6/29/24, 7/13/24, 7/27/24, 8/10/24, 8/24/24, 9/7/24
Mock Theory Exam Webinar: 9/21/2024, 9am-3pm PST
Mock Tasting Exam Webinar : 10/5/2024, 9am-3pm PST
Online Course
Course Dates: October 28, 2024-May 12, 2025
Exam Dates: May 13-14, 2025 (October 2025 available with prior notice)
Registration Deadline: September 28, 2024
Webinar Time: 9am-1pm PST on Saturdays
Webinar Dates: 11/2/2024, 11/9/24, 11/23/24, 12/7/24, 12/14/24, 1/4/2025, 1/25/25, 2/8/25, 2/22/25, 3/1/25, 3/15/25, 3/29/25, 4/5/25
Mock Theory Exam Webinar: 4/19/2025, 9am-3pm PST
Mock Tasting Exam Webinar : 5/3/2025, 9am-3pm PST
